《儿童的人权！》

星洲日报《纵目乾坤》第三篇

任何有血性的人读到：“一名学巴司机载学生回家途中欲火焚身，竟把小巴停在交通繁忙的大路旁，脱裤强暴一名10岁的女生！”这样一则新闻都会怒火中焚！

同样的，当任何一位关爱儿童的成人看到：“遭客货车色魔的女童因无知以为嫌犯对她们的行为是一种爱的表现，因此每次被性侵都任由摆布没哭闹！警方相信她们已遭到性侵一段长时间，不过她们从未向家人揭露嫌犯的兽行！”这样一则报道，都会为小朋友的无知感觉悲痛，为小孩的脆弱感觉刺心怜悯！

儿童被性侵的事情本来是可以避免的，但却发生了，而且是不断的发生！那是谁的错？是色魔司机的错，是父母的错，是执法单位与政府政策的错！唯独孩子没错，但却承受了未来紧随其一生挥之不去的阴影！

事情发生后，我们看到卡巴星要求修改法律判强奸儿童罪成者死刑，蔡细历也说罪犯应受到比原有刑法条文中更严重的刑罚，可能包括死刑，面子书上的留言也多认为如此，有些甚至建议“阉割”，可见大家都义愤填膺，但严刑峻法真的有效吗？多年来女权分子对性暴力深痛恶绝，却对判强奸犯死刑的要求非常迟疑，原因是过重的刑罚可能带来更严重的后果，罪犯可能因此干脆先奸后杀！家人可能因为罪犯是家人于心不忍而让罪犯逍遥法外，甚至继续兽行!

我国政府于1995年2月17日签署了联合国儿童权利公约承诺保障儿童生存、受保护、发展和参与的权利，配合公约所制定的国家儿童政策与行动纲领也规定所有和儿童有关或为儿童提供服务的单位必须制定并执行保护儿童的政策及条款。但，这么多年来，儿童被陌生人或照顾他的人性侵、强奸、诱拐、虐待、怀孕生子、弃婴，甚至年幼是否适婚的问题层出不穷，每一次事件发生后，社会福利局都会成为众矢之的，投报热线15999设立了、专管儿童的单位也成立了，但问题并没有改善，原因何在？

人民对于保护儿童的醒觉仍然处于低水平，发现他家儿童被虐待，认为那是他人家事而不愿投报，最终导致儿童受虐而死的事件比比皆是；

因某些保守人士的抗拒，性教育始终没有在学校有系统的进行、父母或无知或羞于启口，或不懂得如何教导孩子正确的性教育和自我保护，导致儿童无法分辨爱与虐，长期受害却不自知，或和同学发生性关系，未婚先孕继而弃婴；

没有执行服务于和接触儿童有关机构属下的人员，包括司机、托儿所经营者与职员、学校警卫、校工、清洁工人等必须进行考核与注册的政策，导致儿童可能与狼为伍最终成为牺牲者的机率大增；

执法单位没有严格执法确保和接触儿童有关的行业的合法经营，至今非法经营的托儿所、福利单位比合法注册者多出何止一倍！

现在追究责任虽然对已发生的悲剧于事无补，但对防患于未然却是至关重要，是时候采取行动了！

不要让我们的无知伤害了儿童，确保儿童享有安全、尊严生存与生活的基本权利，是所有捍卫人权者应共同承担的责任。

周美芬

3/8/10

LAUNCH OF NATIONAL ONE CHILD, ONE HOPE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

OPENING REMARKS
YB DATIN PADUKA CHEW MEI FUN
DEPUTY MINISTER FOR WOMEN, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT


(pic: CFL)

First and foremost, allow me to take this opportunity to thank Smart Reader® Worldwide Sdn. Bhd. for inviting me to launch this National One Child One Hope Education Scholarship Programme. I am very happy to be here today as this scholarship programme will enable underprivileged children equal opportunity to obtain quality education. In a way, this programme offers a golden opportunity, even a chance of a lifetime. Therefore, I would like to commend the initiative taken by Smart Reader® Worldwide by way of extending their helping hand to the underprivileged children in fulfilling their corporate social responsibility (CSR).

It is gratifying to note that today’s programme also has invited 80 children from various homes to celebrate Chinese New Year. I am sure the children will enjoy and remember this celebration.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is undeniable that early childhood education has profound impact on the development of children. Numerous studies have shown that children’s success and achievements are determined by how well we have prepared them from childhood. Indeed, the World Bank Report 2006 has showed that programme which promotes growth and development of young children from the age of 0 to 6 years are the best investments for developing the human capital necessary for the economic growth of a nation. More importantly, every child has the right to education especially a quality education regardless of their background and economic status.

Recognising the role and importance of early childhood education, the government plans to increase the number of children in pre-school education from the current 76% to 87% by 2013 under the National Key Results Areas (NKRA). Further, the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) roadmap has promised to improve student outcomes across the school system and to enhance access to quality education for all students. In the Budget 2010, the government has pledged RM100 million to the Permata programme as a recognition of the importance of early childhood education for children under the age of 4 in Malaysia.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Money spent in education is not consumption, but rather a worthy investment. In this regard, I would like to encourage individuals and organisations to find out more about this scholarship programme and see in what way you can contribute to this noble cause. It is my fervent hope that other corporations and organisations will emulate the example set by Smart Reader® Worldwide. And I especially think credit is due to Dr. K. H. Wang, who selflessly gave back her prize money of RM11,000 to start the ball rolling for the funds of the National One Child One Hope Education Scholarship Programme. I understand that this amount was part cash and prizes awarded by SME Corp when Dr. Wang was declared the National Women Entrepreneur 2009. In view of this, I would like to encourage more women to explore entrepreneurship as entrepreneurship provides an opportunity for women to generate income and improve their financial status. Thus, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development under the National Key Result Areas (NKRA) aims to train 4,000 women entrepreneurs by 2012.

On that note, I hereby officially launch the National One Child, One Hope Education Scholarship Programme.

Thank you and Gong Xi Fa Cai to everyone.

周美芬：僅10%真正孤兒 民眾申請領養困難

中国报 3/2/2010


（加影3日訊）婦女、家庭和社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，政府屬下10間孤兒院内只有约10%的儿童為真正孤兒，可讓不育夫婦申請領養。


她說，早前發生嬰兒販賣事件，原因之一為國內擁有10至15%夫婦不育，他們欲申請領養孤兒卻面對種種困難。

“政府屬下的10間孤兒院，只有140名孩子為真正孤兒，其他約90%孩子是來自單親家庭、私生子等情況下進入孤兒院，他們擁有監護人或家長監護故不能領養。”

周美芬今日為雪隆愛心孤兒院主持開幕時，這么指出。 周美芬指出，由于只有少于10%孤兒可以被領養，同時需符合許多條件，以致許多民眾以為申請領養孤兒程序繁雜。

她說，公眾在領養孤兒時，不允許有如在選購“貨物”般挑選小孩，當局只會依據性別、種族及宗教，把孤兒分配到合適家庭。

“当福利部孤儿院接收到到可供领养的孤儿时，会在一個月的时间内进行调查准备报告，报告备妥后，當局將在最快速的时间内舉行會議，以決定把小孩分配给合適的家庭领养。在获得法庭的批准后，在领养的首2年里，福利部官員會定時前往檢查，之后才真正把小孩交由該夫婦領養。”

周美芬说，公眾也可向私人孤兒院申请領養孤兒，或親人不幸去世后申請照顧對方小孩，申請者同時最多只可照顧2名小孩，政府每月將給予每名小孩250令吉的领养补助。

Kiwanis Malaysia’s Annual Children Party 2010

SPEECH by YB Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun


(pic: CFL)
First and foremost, allow me to take this opportunity to thank Kiwanis Malaysia for inviting me to officiate the Kiwanis Malaysia’s Annual Children Party 2010. This year is the 12th consecutive year for Kiwanis Malaysia to have this event, and I am delighted to learn that the organiser has bring together more than 550 children as well as care takers from various orphanages, welfare homes, learning disabilities centres etc from Klang Valley, Johore, Perak and Penang to join us today. The smiling faces of children have already made this special occasion an unforgettable one for me. In this respect, your good work and efforts is highly commendable.

Ladies and gentlemen,Disabled children always face grave risks to their education, health and well-being and are at significantly increased risk because of social stigma and ignorance. It undeniably has impeded them to enjoy the normal way of life like other children and access to the same opportunity as others and are being segregated from the mainstream society. Statistics from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) shows that about 98% of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school. To ensure and safeguard the rights of children and people with disability, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability has come into force in May 2008. The Convention has call for enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by children and adults with disabilities, and points for the importance of early intervention as well as inclusion in the education system from an early age.

Numerous studies showed that early childhood care and education are imperative to help children with special needs to be integrated into the society. This is because the early years offer a special opportunity to foster developmental gains in children as 80% of the brain’s capacity develops before the age of three. For example, children with Down syndrome are able to lead normal life like other people if they are given training. As such, early intervention programme including care, stimulation, parental support and access to relevant services enhances the effects of interventions for children with disabilities.

Recognizing the importance of care and support for children with special needs, the Department of Social Welfare under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has established Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Centre to provide services such as diagnosis, rehabilitation, treatment and special education as well as vocational training to prepare the people with disabilities for employment. As of 2009, there are 409 CBR centres throughout the country and benefiting 17,435 PWDs. Besides this, there are 140 health centres in Malaysia that provide rehabilitation services for children with special needs. In Budget 2010, the Government has increased the allowance rate from RM50 to RM150 a month for every disabled child enroled in NGO-organised special schools, effective 1 January 2010. And it is estimated that 4,000 disabled children will be benefitted under this aid.

Ladies and gentlemen,In 2009, the Government has approved the National Child Policy and its Plan of Action as well as National Child Protection Policy and its Plan of Action to ensure the well-being and welfare of the children as well as to shape and develop children into good citizens. The National Child Policy and its Plan of Action have underlined strategies which focusing on survival, protection, development, participation and advocacy, while National Child Protection Policy and its Plan of Action are to ensure children’s protection from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Besides this, child activity centres were established by the Department at the state and district levels as part of the efforts to provide locally-based services, especially for high-risk families and children. As of 2009, there were 139 child activities centres throughout the country. The services included child-related activities, counselling for children and parents, parenting courses as well as childcare services aimed at providing the psychological and motivational support to those affected. The activities, in some ways, contributed to the prevention of many social ills such as child abuse, child neglect, school dropout, truancy and moral decadence. In addition, it has fostered community relations and the caring spirit by serving as a place where the local community interact, exchange ideas and work together towards a common goal that is, the well-being of the child and family.

We all can play a role to help them like the motto of the Kiwanis “Serving the Children of the World”. It is our role to create a world that fit for all the children. Many organizations, like Kiwanis Malaysia are making conscious efforts to help the less fortune and children who have special needs. It is delighted to learn that the Kiwanis Club currently manage and operate 19 dedicated centres for children throughout Malaysia and 7 of these centres are Down syndrome centres. With regard to this, the Department of Social Welfare has allocated RM30,660 to Kiwanis Club at Taman Tun Ismail. Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the organising committee and those involved in today’s event. On that note, I have the pleasure to declare the Kiwanis Children’s Party open. Thank you and may you have a wonderful weekend.

指無助加速馬華重選‧周美芬不辭婦女組主席

(pic: CFL)

星洲日報‧2009.12.19

（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬說，就算她辭去婦女組主席一職，也不會加速馬華中委會的重選，因此她堅持不辭婦女組主席的立場。

她表示，她並非票選中委，因此就算她辭去婦女組主席，也不會對馬華中委會重選帶來影響。

她今日（週六，12月19日）為RC Planet有限公司舉行的企業社會責任活動主持開幕後，就本身是否願意辭去婦女組主席一職，以加速中委會的重選時作出回應時說：“我不會辭職，而婦女組也無需重選。”

她也否認馬青和婦女組拒絕重選，是導致馬華中委會重選不能舉行的絆腳石。

不過，她補充，凡根據黨章的事務，只要合情合理，她都會遵從。

不會忽略部門事務
她也說，當領袖被賦予權力時，就應以智慧去好好運用，而不是沒有運用智慧，任意使用權力。
被問到13名馬華中委集體辭去中委職時，是不是有智慧的舉動時，她表示，這是黨員們所要求的，也是負責任的一種態度。

周美芬也是婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長，她表示她不會因為黨爭而忽略部門的事務。

她說，她週六下午訪問沙巴並向所有華團婦女組領袖，包括馬華婦女組領袖匯報其部門的事務，只是履行其職責而已。

“我去很多個地方進行部門工作匯報會，不只是沙巴而已。”

30孤兒獲免費教育課程
逾30名孤兒獲提供為期5天免費的機器人教育課程。

這項企業社會責任活動，由RC Planet有限公司提供，凡在12月1日起至明年3月31日期間，報讀這間公司的課程，這間公司就免費提供一名孤兒報讀上述的課程。這間公司的目標是讓100名孤兒受惠。

Sunday December 20, 2009
No reason for me to resign, says Chew

http://thestaronline.tv/v/4865: Wanita MCA chief: No reason for me to resign
PETALING JAYA: Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun has maintained that there was no reason for her to resign from her post and seek fresh election.

The problems in the party only involved the main body, she explained.

“As I have said many times, Wanita and Youth wings do not need a re-election.

“Even if I quit (from the Wanita chief post), this is not going to quicken the process of party election,” she told reporters yesterday after launching RC Planet Sdn Bhd’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) campaign for orphanage.

Chew was responding to a question on whether she would resign from the Wanita post following the undated resignation letters from 13 central committee members on Dec 15.

Commenting on the 13 resignations, Chew said: “We hope to have fresh polls, so the resignations are a responsible act by the central committee.”

She also said the party constitution did not state that both wings must have re-elections should the main body needs a fresh poll.

In Klang, MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the special committee for fresh party elections had yet to decide if the Youth and Wanita wings needed to have a re-election.

“We need further reference and views from the central committee (CC).

“After all, the crisis is within the CC and we only emphasise on the CC,” Liow added after launching the Red Crescent Nite 2009 fund-raising and gala dinner last night.

替殘障兒籌款‧1321“傘軍”義走創紀錄

(pic by CFL)

星洲日報‧2009.11.04
http://search.sinchew-i.com/node/454064?k

（八打靈在也）超過1300名公眾參與“持傘義走”（Walkabrella）慈善活動，除了身體力行為殘障兒童出一份力，還成功創下紀錄，以1321人成為大馬慈善義走人數之最。

伯樂學院大眾傳播系籌辦
該慈善活動由伯樂學院大眾傳播系95名學生一手籌辦，目的是喚醒社會關注腦性癱瘓（又稱腦性麻痹）疾病的意識，同時也為美嘉園殘障兒童中心（PPKKCTM）籌款。

婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬、八打靈再也北區國會議員潘儉偉、百樂鎮州議員謝永賢等也參與這項意義非凡的慢走活動。

參與活動者今日（週日，12月6日）早上從萬達鎮中央公園出發，大家手持特別設計以反映活動主題的藍白色雨傘，徒步走完全長4公里的行程，成功打破之前活動創下的1088人記錄。

周美芬：每1000新生兒2腦癱
周美芬在致辭時指出，腦性癱瘓是第二常見的小兒神經性疾病，根據資料每1000名新生嬰兒中，就有2名嬰兒罹患該疾病。

她表示，這些罹患疾病的兒童，往往遭受社會排斥，甚至就連原生家庭也疏於照顧甚至拋棄他們。

“考量到殘障人士的需要，婦女部也成立了社區復健中心，為他們提供醫療、復健與特殊教育等服務，截至今年10月，全國共有409間社區復建中心，協助約1萬7643名殘障人士。”

出席週日活動者也包括，百樂園董事經理兼首席執行員王敬壽、伯樂學院院長謝綺芬博士等。

美嘉園殘障兒中心獲5000撥款
另一方面，周美芬即場撥出5000令吉款項給美嘉園殘障兒童中心。

她在致辭時提及，收容了138名殘障兒童的美嘉園殘障兒童中心所面對的困境。

該所位於住宅區的收容中心，因遭到當地居民投訴，而無法獲得靈市政廳發出的執照。

周美芬指出，此中心已購買位於東南亞花園的新中心土地，而她將指示福利部協助安頓部份殘障兒童，以讓此中心能符合法令限定的收容人數限制。

Big day out at Genting for 250

(photos by CFL)

The Star News: Monday December 7, 2009

IT WAS a meaningful day for 250 children and single parents as Resorts World Genting hosted a day of fun-filled activities and performances at the Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort in conjunction with United Nations Universal Children’s Day Celebration on Nov 20.

Among those present were Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, Genting (M) Bhd public relations and communications vice -president Katherine Chew and Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort vice-president Ruddin Salim.

The event aimed to enhance the relationship between the company, its employees and the community by fostering caring and sharing values in serving the community.

It was held at the Awana Genting team building grounds and at the longhouse specially built by Awana Genting.

The celebration kicked off at 9am with the appearance of Resorts World Genting’s mascots — Tabby, Allie and friends — along with the Awana Genting Highlands dancing troupe.

The children, aged from five to 12 years old, came from various states and villages in Malaysia.
For most of the children and their parents, it was their first visit to Genting Highlands and they were specially selected by a team from the ministry as all are from the hardcore poor categroy.

Seven telematch activities were held for the children and their parents to complete together and were designed to establish a loving bond between single parents and children from different backgrounds.

The event then continued with a traditional Indian dance performance by children from the School of Nadananjali led by two young performers from Teluk Intan, Rhivakshini, 5, and Tina Chew,12.

The guests were also taken for a trip to Genting’s theme parks.

UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATION WITH CHILDREN AND SINGLE PARENTS

SPEECH on 21 Nov 2009





First of all, I would like to thank and congratulate Resorts World Genting for organizing such a meaningful event today. The smiling faces of the little ones and the parents in front of me here have already made this special occasion an unforgettable one for me. It is indeed my pleasure to be with all you here today.

The Universal Children’s Day, as you all know, is an important day to be observed by the world, as it is a day to promote ideals and objectives to safeguard the welfare and rights for the children globally. It is our responsibility to reach out to the children of the world and let their outcries be heard. This year, the Universal Children’s Day also marks the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which has been signed on the same day in 1989 by 191 countries. It signifies that children have the same basic human rights as adults. However, statistics from the United Nations show that around 51 million children born in 2006 have not had their births registered, some 165 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are currently involved in child labour and more than 17,000 children die of starvation every year.

Ladies and gentlemen,
In Malaysia, children are 11.2 million or 40% of the population. Children have been recognised as an important asset to a nation as they will be the human capital who will make us more competitive in this global economy. As a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Child, various efforts have been taken by the Government to ensure and safeguard the welfare and interest of children. With regard to this, the Government has formulated the National Child Policy and its Plan of Action as well as National Child Protection Policy and its Plan of Action recently to ensure the well-being and welfare of the children as well as to shape and develop children into good citizens. The National Child Policy and its Plan of Action have underlined strategies which focusing on survival, protection, development, participation and advocacy, while National Child Protection Policy and its Plan of Action are to ensure children’s protection from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development is concerned about the rise of violence committed against children. In 2007, the number of abuse cases was 2,279 in 2007 but it has increased to 2,780 in 2008. In the same period, the number of abuse cases committed by parents or guardians rose from 992 in 2007 to 1,266 in 2008. Statistics from Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) showed that 4,968 children were reported missing from January 2005 to May 2008, and 37.5 percent is still untraceable. There is an urgent need for various stakeholders such as government agencies, non-governmental organisations, civil society and individuals to hasten the efforts to prevent crimes against children becoming widespread.

Ladies and gentlemen,
I understand that being a single parent is definitely not a simple role to be in, as they have to juggle the time between being the sole breadwinner and spending quality time with their children. And I am inspired by all of you for your perseverance in life’s journey and your contributions to your families, society and the country. I hope today’s event can provide all of you a quiet and relaxed moment with your children. And I truly hope that this experience for both the children and parents will be an unforgettable one.

I always believe that every child deserves his innocence and that should not be robbed away just because they are in a different situation from the rest. Our world relies on how we nurture and cultivate our next generation. Therefore, we should be aware, be sensible enough to make the world a better place for the children by building dignity, a sense of belonging and security in life for them.

Beloved Children,
Always remember that you are the special ones no matter who you are and where you came from. You are our hope, our joy and our future leaders.

As such, I hope all of you will enjoy programmes and activities today. On that note, I hereby declare the Universal Children’s Day Celebration open. Thank you and Happy Universal Children’s Day.

周美芬：剝奪幸福童年‧勿把稚子當搖錢樹

星洲日報‧2009.11.18

周嘉鴻（左4）贈送紀念給主講人丘依鑫（右3），由周美芬（右4）見證，左起為余朝銘、黃清儀和黃冰瑩，右起是陳月鶯、盧明達。（圖：星洲日報）

（雪蘭莪‧巴生）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬說，家長不應該將幼小的子女當搖錢樹。

她說，一些家長利用孩子的潛能當搖錢樹，讓他們每天晚上打扮得花枝招展上台表演，雖然父母賺到錢，但孩子溫習功課的時間卻被犧牲了。

她早前為馬來西亞興安會館總會婦女組主辦，及巴生濱海福莆仙同鄉會婦女組暨青年團協辦的讓孩子有個安全幸福的童年講座會主持開幕時，發表談話。

她說，家長必須瞭解，無論是貧窮家庭或是殘疾兒童，他們都有受教育和被照顧的權利，他們的幸福童年是不可以被剝奪的。

建議學校辦性教育講座
與此同時，她建議學校的家教協會或董事部，在學校完成年終假期後，為五六年級學生舉辦性教育講座會，讓他們瞭解關於性的問題。

她說，她發現一些學生，不論是男女，都缺乏對性器官的認識，因此有必要為他們舉辦性教育講座，灌輸他們正確的思想。

出席講座會的包括巴生濱海福莆仙同鄉會會長盧明達、永久名譽會長兼顧問黃清儀、余朝銘、青年團團長周嘉鴻和婦女組主席黃冰瑩等。

妇女组促内长公平对待各族群，批准更多大马卡

文告（24-09-09）

（吉隆坡24日讯）马华妇女全国主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬对内政部长拿督斯里希山慕丁属下部门日前成功颁发92张公民权证件和大马卡于公民权申请者，并造就了92名“新 ”马来西亚公民表示欣慰。

自拿督斯里希山慕丁今年接管内政部后， 他已设下本身部门的关键表现指标（KPI），以便可以更有效的处理累计下来的申请公民权事项。截至09年1月份为止，该部门一共接获3万2927宗申请公民权案子，其中以申请入境许可证及逾期申请报生纸案例分别占据1万6812宗和9万3360宗案件。内政部此次能简化申请程序上的繁文缛节，顺利地减低持红身份证人士，显示了政府和拿督斯里希山慕丁解决这项问题的诚意。

对于内长有关内政部现已处理了70%的申请，并有望在年杪处理所有的申请，达到关键表现指标所设下目标的宣布，马华妇女组希望内政部能够在秉着公平公正对待每个族群的精神，加速处理申请个案，希望内政部将在近期内再度以行动证明，颁发更多的公民权证件和大马卡予许多长久以来对国家忠诚并作出了贡献的申请者，让更多久等的“公民”能够“名正言顺”的成为我国公民！

与此同时，马华妇女组呼吁内政部关注仍旧有许多出生纸申请者依然等待当局批准的课题，特别是针对一些特殊个案，包括土著，于种植园丘出生但没有出生纸的无国籍儿童；或因父母其中一位是外国人，或父母未婚生子而导致没有出生证明，到了适读年龄但是没有获得同等的教育优惠如免费课本和保健的儿童。

儿童的权益

马华妇女组对妇女，家庭与社会发展部在部长拿督斯里莎丽查的带领下，最近成功获得内阁批准发布了国家保护儿童政策（National Child Protection Policy）和国家儿童政策（National Child Policy）表达欣慰，这两项政策强调儿童必须受到保护，及拒绝任何针对儿童所进行的虐待，暴力，遗弃，剥削行为。同时所有儿童享有在健全环境下生存，受保护，培育，参与发展权利。马华妇女组认为该两项政策的发布适时宜并再次重申在联邦宪法赋予申请者权益下，只要父母其中一人是马来西亚公民，并根据他/她身为马来西亚公民的权力，子女都有权申请成为马来西亚公民。

儿童拥有本身身为公民及在建全及没有歧视的环境下建康成长的基本权利， 这也完全符合及遵守了马来西亚在签署联合国保护儿童公约时的意愿。马华妇女组衷心的希望内政部在处理所有符合申请条件但没有合法婚姻证明的申请者案例时，能够针对他们孩子在面对无国籍的困境下给予额外的协助，并希望能在今年年杪之前，尽快处理及解决他们申请报生纸，大马卡及公民权的程序问题，这也符合了内政部长拿督斯里希山慕丁部门所设下的关键表现指标（KPI）。

Smart Reader 派发口罩予2万学生

(pic: CFL)

2009/09/01 6:50:06 PM ●南洋商报

(吉隆坡1日讯）斯玛瑞德（Smart Reader）中心今日分派口罩予全国2万多名的学生，预防A（H1N1）型流感蔓延。

妇女、家庭及社会发展部副部长拿汀巴杜卡周美芬为这项“共同预防A型流感”主持推介礼时指出，10岁以下的孩童属于A型流感的高风险群，因此师长有责任保护他们，避免受到感染。

她也说，我国也出现因A型流感并发症而身亡的孩童，因此预防的工作不能松懈。

周美芬也说，儿童是未来的国家主人翁，从小培养孩童的卫生习惯，对他们未来的人生是会有深远的影响。

出席推介礼还包括斯玛瑞德有限公司集执行董事黄锦霞博士、总执行长王添文博士及校长王彩燕。

从即日（9月1日）起，该中心的所有学生、校长、教师及员工在上课时都会戴上口罩，上课前也进行体温检测，确保到该中心上课的学生都是健康的。

馬華婦女組成立援助局為各族婦孺服務

星洲日報．2009.08.23

（吉隆坡）馬華總會長拿督斯里翁詩傑表示，馬華婦女組全國婦女兒童援助局在不受政治或政黨左右下，不分種族、性別及宗教為民服務。

他今日（週日，8月23日）為馬華婦女組全國婦女兒童援助局暨輔導室主持推介禮後表示，援助局及輔導室的成立不是為了趕時髦，而是希望成為一個專為婦孺提供咨詢及協助的全國性組織。

他說，援助局不僅可為婦孺提供生活上的輔導援助，更希望能協助婦女學習自立及經濟獨立。

馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬表示，馬華全國婦女兒童援助局在全國13個州屬設立30個輔導室，以有效為有需要的婦孺提供各項輔導服務和咨詢。

她指出，從2006年迄今，輔導室已處理超過260宗各項輔導案例，這些案例都會通過文書系統進行整理。

她說，為了提昇援助局的服務效率，當局與生命線、婦女援助機構（WAO）、全國婦女醒覺運動組織（AWAM）、檀香愛心福利中心及隆雪華堂婦女組輔導中心，共同簽署精明夥伴備忘錄，以尋求更專業的協助及訓練。

出席者包括翁詩傑夫人拿汀斯里徐玉珍及馬華婦女組婦女兒童援助局主任周麗玉。

Free canned food for 30 homes

The Star News Wednesday August 5, 2009

Free canned food for two months – that is what 30 charity homes in Malaysia will be getting from Ayam Brand.

The Ayam Brand Community Care Charity Campaign 2009 was launched recently by Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun at Pertubuhan Rumah Amal Cahaya Tengku Ampuan Rahimah in Petaling Jaya.

Under this programme, about 1,600 children, disabled and old folks will receive canned tuna, sardines, baked beans and high Vitamic C fruit juice cordial Frooots for their daily meals.

One for you: (From left) Ayam Brand general manager Ting Seng Hee, Chew and Tunku Mu’tamir making sandwiches for the kids.

“More charity homes will be able to benefit from this programme this year as we have increased the number of homes from 21 in five states last year to 30 in nine states.

“Aside from continuously providing assistance to the less privileged, we want to offer them healthy, nutritious, MSG-free and preservative-free products for a balanced diet,” Ayam Brand chairman Tunku Datuk Mu’tamir Tunku Mohamed said.

He also added that the campaign was launched at just the right time as Ramadan was just around the corner.

“Ayam Brand products are convenient, making it an easy task to prepare food for more than 50 people to break fast,” he said.

Chew, meanwhile, praised Ayam Brand for sharing the government’s responsibility of taking care of the less fortunate.

“Ayam Brand’s effort is in line with the 1Malaysia concept, whereby corporations voluntarily share happiness with the less privileged, spreading love and care across all levels of society,” she said.

Chew added that a Child Helpline, which aimed at providing advice and support to kids, would be launched soon.

As the event drew to its end, the guests of honour gamely manned the sandwich bar, dishing out sandwiches to eager kids who wanted to have a taste of the sandwiches made with Ayam Brand products.

周美芬：提供援助輔導‧兒童求救專線今年推出

内容转载星洲日報／大都會‧2009.08.03

(圖：CFL）

（雪蘭莪‧梳邦）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，婦女、家庭及社會發展部預計將在今年推介兒童求救專線，為面對各種威脅的兒童伸出援手。

她說，婦女、家庭及社會發展部部長拿督斯里莎麗扎預料將在9月或今年底正式推介有關求救專線。

“兒童求救熱線主要目的是為了讓兒童可以通過撥電，即時獲得所需的援助與輔導。”

周美芬週一（8月3日）為著名罐頭品牌公司Ayam Brand推動的“2009年全國社群關愛慈善行動”主持推介時，希望熱線能協助兒童學懂如何保護自己，一旦發現任何涉及虐童等案件時，能第一時間向有關當局作出投報。

保護婦女兒童權利
她也說，婦女、家庭及社會發展部致力於保護婦女、兒童權利，早前已設立婦女部一站式熱線服務中心“Talian Nur”，為有關人士提供援助與服務，她指出，在兒童求救熱線未正式推介前，面臨問題的兒童可撥打服務中心熱線：15999。

出席推介禮的包括Ayam Brand主席拿督姆達米爾、總經理陳善喜、R ACT A R慈善中心副會長拿汀諾菲雅等。

Ayam Brand將在全馬9個區域推行全國社群關愛慈善行動，為30家慈善機構的近1600名弱勢兒童、殘障人士及貧苦老人，獻上為期2個月的日常膳食，而在雪州及吉隆坡區域，共有6家慈善中心受益。

Ayam Brand主席拿督姆達米爾指出，“全國社群關愛慈善行動”的宗旨是為了慈善機構獻上有營養、無防腐、免味精的健康食品，從中照顧弱勢族群的需要。

Chew: Many childcare centres being charged exorbitant fees

The Star News : Sunday July 26, 2009

PETALING JAYA: Many local councils and authorities are charging childcare centre operators exorbitant licence fees, sometimes as high as RM5,000 annually, said Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.

Local authorities should be mindful of the importance of childcare centres and not view them as merely business entities, she added.

“Many of these local councils are not aware of the nature of this industry so they impose expensive licence fees,” she said at the SEGi College’s closing ceremony of its fourth Early Childhood Professionals appreciation day yesterday.

Chew, however, acknowledged that it was difficult for local councils to develop a set of uniform guidelines or regulations to govern childcare centres.

“There are different by-laws and regulations for different local authorities,” she said.

Chew also voiced out concerns on some providers who went ahead to operate childcare centres while waiting for approvals from the different authorities, which sometimes could take up to two years.

“When the various local councils have many applications to vet through, those from the childcare centres are usually not given priority,” she said.

Chew also told parents to only choose childcare centres registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM).

She said there were 2,266 registered centres with the ministry and they were required to display their licences.

“The ministry has done our part to amend the law (2007). We have tightened the monitoring system for childcare providers.” she said.

周美芬：政府应修改法令，解决遗腹子身份问题

文告（22/7/2009）

马华妇女组全国主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬呼吁政府从宽处理赵明福遗腹子报生纸上能否填上生父名字的问题，政府也应考虑修改相关法令，以便在申请者满足特定条件的情况下，一劳永逸解决相关案例的问题和争议。这和政府决心在近期内全面解决国内公民权问题的精神是一致的。

周美芬指出，马华妇女组与国内公民权工作小组已拟定三份备忘录，即《在本地出生或定居人士的公民权问题》、《马来西亚儿童的公民权问题》以及《外籍配偶的居留权和公民权问题》，以提呈予内政部长。马华妇女组将在有关备忘录中，加入研究修改法令的建议，并提出各种处理方式的细节，以解决遗腹子身份的问题。

“我们了解作为法治社会，凡事须依法行事，因此马华妇女组呼吁政府寻求各种管道，让出现这方面争议的孩子能够得到他们应得的身份，包括修改相关法令，以在申请者满足特定条件的情况下，合法化相关孩子的身份，并一劳永逸解决此类案件的争议，这是儿童的基本人权。”

周美芬表示，法律不外乎人情，法律既然是为人类群体生活服务，就应该以人道主义为本，不能过于僵化和迂腐。赵明福作为其遗腹子的生父是不能否认的事实，若其孩子的报生纸无法填上生父名字，这是不近人情的。

Wanita MCA calls on NRD to register Teoh Boon Hock’s child in father’s name & amend outdated birth registration laws

Press statement by Wanita MCA National Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun

Sharing in the grief of the fiancé and family over the tragic loss of the late Sdr Teoh Beng Hock, Wanita MCA calls on the government to register Sdr Teoh as the father of the child upon birth and to amend whilst complying with conditions the existing law necessitating the physical presence of the biological father at birth registration whereby when the child is born, the baby’s birth certificate will only carry the mother’s details.

This is in line with the efforts by the government and announcement by the Home Minister Dato’ Sri Hishamuddin bin Tun Hussein Onn to decide on the application for Malaysian citizenship for four categories i.e. applicants for permanent resident status; stateless children; those without birth certificates; and those without documents who are residing in Sabah and Sarawak.

The NRD should register the birth of Teoh’s child identifying Teoh as the father. Moreover, the couple had made known to all relatives and friends that they were scheduled to register their marriage on 17 July 2009.

In conjunction with the upcoming submission of three (3) memorandums by Wanita MCA to the Home Minister in our citizenship registration project that seeks to address citizenship rights of Malaysians in the following areas:
1) children born to at least one Malaysian parent,
2) foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens,
3) stateless Malaysians whose births were either not registered, or who were not given citizenship despite having been born and bred in Malaya/Malaysia all their lives and having applied for citizenship,

Wanita MCA and the MCA Citizenship Task Force will study existing laws related to citizenship and registration of births. Recommendations to insert or amend or remove any existing clauses that hinder the identity and/or citizenship rights of rightful Malaysians will be tabled in the memo.

Given such circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased and on humanitarian grounds, Wanita MCA urges the Home Minister to allow the child to be registered in the father’s name when he/she is born. It is a gross injustice to the unborn child to be registered in his/her mother’s name as the innocent child will suffer the stigma throughout hi/her life of being identified as a mother’s love child rather than as a child of both parents. At all times, the rights of a child to citizenship and identity should respected and safeguarded.

周美芬：婦女組辦活動‧勿聘“跑碼頭”兒童表演

星洲日報‧2009.06.14

关丹区会妇女组赠送花束予周美芬副部长 （图：CFL）

（彭亨‧關丹）馬華婦女組基層黨員受促今日（週日，6月14日）起舉辦各種活動時，勿聘請“跑碼頭”的兒童藝人表演娛賓。

馬華婦女組主席拿督汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，此舉是為了保障兒童的福利，減少“童工”的問題出現。

“從今日起，凡婦女組可作決定的舞台表演、宴會表演，我們不應該花錢聘請‘跑碼頭´的兒童藝人上台表演，因為兒童在這個時候，必須專注精神於求學。到全馬各地表演，這是非常不健康的。

“這些16歲以下的舞台表演者都是非法童工，你聘請他，你就是犯法。除非是由學校派出的兒童才藝、文化演出才可被接受。”

她是於週日出席馬華關丹區會婦女組代表大會開幕儀式上致詞時，作出此項呼吁。

另一方面，周美芬也呼吁選美活動的主辦單位，應該嚴格關注參賽者的年齡和身份，勿讓中學生參加選美，因為這種活動將對她們帶來不良影響。

Wanita MCA Praises Open mindeness of IKIM, Opposes Use of Religion for Hidden Agendas

Press statement by Wanita MCA Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun lauding IKIM’s position on child conversion

Wanita MCA National Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun lauded Datuk Dr. Syed Ali Tawfik Al-Attas, Director-General of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM), for his enlightened views on the conversion issue. He has stated that any person, including minors, should not be forced to convert to Islam, as it should be a willing submission. He also wishes to see the true form of Islam understood and practised by all sides, instead of it being used to serve personal interests.

Mei Fun agrees with the statements made by Dr. Syed Ali, who on Thursday 11 June made a keynote address titled “Crisis in Religious Thinking” at a seminar held at the Perak Institute of Islamic Administration. During his address, Dr. Syed Ali noted that the ability to think and reason is an important part of the process by which non-Muslims, including minors, convert to Islam.

“Past rulings made by the Cabinet are consistent with the views of Dr. Syed Ali. Children should not be burdened with the responsibility of accepting something that they do not understand. In other words, adults must not unilaterally decide for minors whether or not they convert to Islam,” the Wanita MCA chairman emphasized.

On 2009 April 22, the Cabinet decided that minor children of a couple where one spouse had converted to Islam be raised in accordance with the common religion at the time of their marriage. This ruling revealed the reform and progressive trend on religious issues in Malaysia, as it gained much public support. However, it also faced much opposition from PAS as well as fundamentalist religious elements.

“PAS and other fundamentalist parties should stop their opposition to the Cabinet ruling on child conversion. Instead, they should follow the views of Dr. Syed Ali as part of a general progressive trend of Islamic thought,” Mei Fun stated.

Finally, Chew Mei Fun professes her wish for all parties in Malaysia to work together and cooperate for the greater good and national unity as the main priority, while at the same time maintaining religious harmony, instead of using of religion for personal agendas.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/13/nation/20090613185739&sec=nation
Published: Saturday June 13, 2009 MYT 6:55:00 PM

Ikim’s stand on child conversion wins approval

PETALING JAYA: Wanita MCA has applauded the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia ’s (Ikim) stance that child conversion should not be done.

Its chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said children should not be burdened with the responsibility of accepting something which they did not understand.

“Adults must not unilaterally decide for minors whether or not they convert to Islam,” she said in a statement yesterday.

While delivering his keynote address titled Crisis in Religious Thinking, Ikim director-general Datuk Dr Syed Ali Tawfik Al-Attas had said that no one, including minors, should be forced to convert to Islam.

The decision to embrace Islam was a willing submission of which the ability to think and reason played an essential role, he said.

Chew urged PAS and other fundamentalist parties to stop opposing the Cabinet ruling on the religion of children and follow Dr Syed Ali’s views instead as part of a general progressive trend of Islamic thought.

The Cabinet had decided in April that the children of a couple where one spouse converted to Islam later would be raised in accordance with the common religion at the time of the marriage.

Wanita MCA setting up counselling centres for women and kids

The Star News : Sunday June 7, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: Underprivileged women and children around the country will soon have another place to turn to for help when counselling centres at MCA offices nationwide become operational.

Wanita MCA deputy chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said the movement was hoping to get the counselling centres launched by month’s end.

“Some 150 counsellors for the centres are currently undergoing training,” said Chew, the Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister after launching a baby show here yesterday.

“We already have the counselling centres at 16 of the 22 MCA division offices in Selangor and we hope to get similar centres going soon at divisions in the various states,” she said.

She said the counselling centres was aimed at providing assistance to women and children facing emotional, health, financial, as well as other problems.

Meanwhile, Chew said the Wanita MCA in Sabah would be the next after Terengganu and Malacca to submit a memorandum against sexist remarks to the state assembly.

“We want to ensure a better environment at the assembly sittings and that there is no discrimination against women,” she added.

On yesterday’s event, Chew said efforts at promoting breastfeeding had to be continuous.

She said the number of Malaysian women who breastfed during the first six months after delivery had dropped by half from 29% in 1996 to barely 14% in 2006.